There are countless kinds of fry pans on the market. Between the different finishes, handles, materials, and more, there’s a configuration to fit any chef’s needs. But do you know all the parts and pieces to choose from? Below, we’ve dissected the fry pan, outlining all the different factors to consider when picking your perfect pan.

Material 

Because different ingredients react to different metals, you need to consider the material before buying any pan. These are the differences you should take into account:

Aluminum

Aluminum delivers the highest thermal conductivity of all cookware materials, it allows you to cook fast and efficiently. Its not as dense as other metals, making the pans lighter. It's great for solid pieces of meat, chicken, or fish. 

Stainless Steel

Whereas aluminum can react to certain ingredients, stainless steel does not react to food. It’s best suited for a stock pot or a sauce pot when you’ve got a large amount of liquids and all you’re trying to do is cook it. Most of these pans are induction-safe.

Cast Iron

Cast iron has a property called “emissivity.” What that means is when it gets hot, it stays hot and it releases that heat at a more even rate than other types of cookware. This is ideal for one-pot or one-pan recipes that transfer from the stove to the oven.

Coating

What does your menu look like? Vollrath® has a variety of options based on what you're cooking up!

Natural 

If you're looking to sear or brown meats, especially individual cuts, this is a great cost-effective option. The smooth polished finish allows for uniform cooking.

Satin

If you're looking for a step up, consider pans with a satin finish. They provide better heat absorption than natural finish pans and they are easier to clean. They are also more elegant than your basic but reliable natural finish pans.

Mirror 

If you're looking for a high-quality pan, consider pans with a mirror finish. Not only do they look unique, they provide excellent heat absorption and they are ideal for presentation cooking. If you're cooking in your front of house, we highly recommend this type of cookware.

Nonstick 

Looking for a reliable nonstick pan? The CeramiGuard® II finish is a safe and affordable option. An even better option is PowerCoat2™. This nonstick is double-layered so it provides strong resistance to scratches and abrasions. If you're looking for an effortless cleanup, your best bet is the SteelCoat x3™. Its triple-layer coating provides top-notch durability, release, and abrasion resistance.

Handles 

Another important aspect is the handle. You're going to want a comfortable, easy-to-grip handle that makes sautéing and frying an absolute pleasure. 

Cool Handle® 

The cool handle, oven safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, provides excellent insulation from heat with its rubber grip. Because the handle is not bonded, it can be easily replaced. 

TriVent®

This one is ergonomically designed for comfort & durability. The permanently bonded handle has a vented appearance for cooler touch and its permanently bonded. Like the Cool Handle, the TriVent handle is oven- safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Intrigue® Cookware Handle